Marathon deaths embarass Beijing organizers
(CRIENGLISH.com)
Updated: 2004-10-20 11:24

Organizers of the Beijing International Marathon are faced with questioning from the media and the public for the deaths of two amateur runners in the event.

For the first time in its 23-year history, two participants of the Beijing events died on the spot, presumably of heart failure.

Another 11 runners had been sent to hospitals for emergency treatment and a woman from Beijing University was still in serious condition in Haidian Hospital after collapsing midway through the race.

While saying medical investigations are still underway to determine the causes of the deaths of a University student and a retiree, organizers acknowledge that the actual runners far outnumbered their expectations and there were lapses in accreditation, fitness check-up, first-aid service, insurance and even awarding and certification.

About 28 thousand people took part in this year's Beijing Marathon. There were complaints about the shortage of drinking water during the run.

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